The New Year has brought new opportunities to the Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). The blind community did not know what to expect when a new director was appointed to the agency in January. The road has been rocky for the agency for the past few years, consumers were not getting what they needed and staff were being mistreated. The agency has a history of directors who did not have the interest of the blind at heart. Well, now that the agency has a new director this bend in the road provides many opportunities, including the chance for a fresh start. The road ahead certainly looks promising. The new director, Larry Alibozek, has an extensive background in business and politics and he's doing a good job rebuilding staff morale. He has begun to restructure the service delivery system and cut bureaucracy at the agency. But most importantly he is willing to learn about the issues important to blind consumers and involve the blind community in the decision making process. When the agency and the blind community work together it means better results and a better future for consumers.

Today, it is common for most state agencies for the blind to have a partnership with the blind community. When consumer organizations are involved the agencies are more able to reach out to consumers, be responsive to their needs, and they will have help and ideas for implementing their programs. I'm originally from New Mexico where we have a model agency. We were fortunate to have our Commission for the Blind started by a blind gentleman, Dr. Frederic Schroeder. When I was in high school our agency and the Federation hosted joint seminars for blind students and parents of blind children. The agency also hosted a summer employment program for youths. Blind consumers were encouraged to serve as the counselors and director for the program. As a result, the agency was never at a loss for good role models and instructors for young blind people. An important part of New Mexico's success is that young blind people and their parents know that their agency believe in them and they have the benefit of seeing successful blind people in leadership roles at the agency and in the community. For example, just by seeing Dr. Schroeder walk around independently with his long white cane and to see him serve in such a professional capacity, set an example for my mom and grandmother when I was a baby that although I'm blind I could be and do anything.

Believing in the abilities of consumers is in large part where BESB must start their new path. This is very important, because if BESB does not begin to realize the capabilities of their clients, then consumers will never be trained to their full potential. I think that Mr. Alibozek is wise enough to take BESB down that path. He has all ready begun to meet with consumers. The more consumers he meets the more he will realize that blind people are just like everyone else. And what better way for the agency to have work done for them than to have blind consumers share in brainstorming, planning, and implementing programs!

When I moved to Hartford it almost seemed as if Connecticut's blind people had been left behind in the wave of reform spreading to agencies for the blind around the nation. Well, now is BESB's opportunity to start the 21st Century with a fresh start and to work toward a better future for Connecticut's blind citizens. It is time for us to all join together so that old wounds may heal and new opportunities can arise. As we turn this bend in the road, we will always be stronger and our futures brighter working together.

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